Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has said that understanding the work of the current interim government requires "insight," not just observation.
Speaking at a seminar organized by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) at the Revenue Building in Agargaon, Dhaka on Monday (August 4), he remarked, “Some of our junior economists claim they see nothing. I know all of them—I`ve been teaching since the 1970s, they were all my students. You need vision, insight. If you don’t want to see, you won’t be able to.”
The seminar was organized to highlight the changes made in income tax, VAT, and customs regulations under the current fiscal year`s budget, and to mark the inauguration of the e-return system for individual taxpayers.
Acknowledging that mistakes are made, the adviser emphasized the importance of encouraging and acknowledging positive government efforts. “We make many mistakes—that’s understandable. But if we don’t recognize the good work, that’s also disheartening. You’re free to criticize, but also highlight success.”
Referring to the newly mandated e-return process for individual taxpayers, he urged simplification of the system.
“I’m over 65, so maybe I get a tax rebate. But even then, this process is difficult for me. I’m not that tech-savvy. I can send a message or email, but beyond that, if I get stuck, I can’t move forward,” he said. “This is a universal issue—technology should be accessible to all. Computer language should be universally understandable.”
As per the new rule, filing tax returns online is now mandatory for individual taxpayers, except for those over 65, physically unfit, or residing abroad.
Speaking at the event, Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) President Daulat Akter Mala noted that while the government holds a press briefing following the national budget announcement, the NBR rarely explains the detailed changes.
“We often hear from the private sector about what’s good or bad in the budget, and sometimes that leads to misinformation.”
She urged the NBR to hold post-budget seminars specifically for journalists who report on tax and fiscal matters. “If you explain to us why and how these tax measures were introduced and how revenue-friendly they are, we can better inform the public. Misunderstandings will be reduced.”
NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem presided over the seminar.
